“Pre-season has started again, but we start again,” said the forwards coach.

“We cannot assume that the culture is going to be as strong or that the principles are going to be in place.

“Especially with as many as 20 players away on international duty that we might have, there is a teething process when you get them back in too.

“The young lads love the 7s, it’s a big stage for them when they perhaps have not played in front of many people.

“It’s a good breeding ground to get them used to playing under pressure.

“There are chances for guys to showcase their talents, we have got a lot of young fast players like Mike Ellery and Nathan Earle, wingers who are stepping in for David Strettle, this could be a good chance for them to show what they can do.

“It will serve as a selection scenario in that sense, of course it’s a totally different game but for the outside backs you can see what their raw talent is like.”

Last year’s title was won by Gloucester Rugby, the second year in a row that the Cherry & Whites have lifted the crown.

They defeated Newport Gwent Dragons in the final while Sarries failed to make finals day after a third-place finish in Group C at Franklin’s Gardens.